Trailer storage

blumbergh · Jan 6, 2016

Hello everyone,
This is my first post and I am looking forward to some thoughts on this.

I am thinking of selling the truck and getting an SUV. I have a long commute and the truck just isn't cutting it in the comfort department. That being said I still need to haul stuff and my ATV around so I was going to buy a trailer as well. My problem is I have no place to put it. I have a two car garage that my wife and my Nova use so I am a bit stuck.

Then my wife says to me why not just store the trailer in the garage with the nova on it?

I wasn't planning on getting a trailer that big but I thought it was a heck of an idea. I realize if the car is on it for a long period of time the tires may get flat spots but I was thinking that a few jack stands and some 4x4's could help out with that.

Anyway what are some thoughts good or bad about this idea. Some things to look out for etc.
thanks everyone.

Diamondpilot · Jan 6, 2016

blumbergh said:
Hello everyone, This is my first post and I am looking forward to some thoughts on this. I am thinking of selling the truck and getting an SUV. I have a long commute and the truck just isn't cutting it in the comfort department. That being said I still need to haul stuff and my ATV around so I was going to buy a trailer as well. My problem is I have no place to put it. I have a two car garage that my wife and my Nova use so I am a bit stuck. Then my wife says to me why not just store the trailer in the garage with the nova on it? I wasn't planning on getting a trailer that big but I thought it was a heck of an idea. I realize if the car is on it for a long period of time the tires may get flat spots but I was thinking that a few jack stands and some 4x4's could help out with that. Anyway what are some thoughts good or bad about this idea. Some things to look out for etc. thanks everyone.

I did that. No different then say a boat trailer storing a boat. Let's be honest, boats sit on the trailer 99% of the time. Same with a camper or lots of other stuff.

Your issue is garage size. For a Nova you will need a 7K 18' trailer at a minimum. With the trailer tongue you are looking at 22' depth minimum. Most garages are not this deep from back wall to garage doors.

I would on do this with radial tires on the trailer and if sitting more than a month do as you say and put it on stands from the axles, not the frame. This keeps the load distribution as it should be.

Chris

tractorshopper · Jan 6, 2016

Does the trailer have to be garage kept? Do you have any other space on your lot that you could pigeon hole one? If buying new, I could understand wanting to protect it, but a lot of trailers are stored outdoors.

I bought a used trailer when I bought my first tractor and it has lived outdoors for 4 or 5 years now and before I owned it, there's no telling how many years it had already been stored outdoors.

Most trailers have pressure treated wood on them and it lasts a long time, but when spent, can be replaced.

Another alternative is to build a shed roof off one side of your garage to park the trailer under if you have enough room to do this.

I have a shed roof off the back of my garage and while I have parked the trailer under it a time or two, I rarely do because it's an odd spot to hook up to and park back into, so I usually park it beside the garage (completely exposed to elements) or I have another spot I tuck it into the woods out back that is easy enough to access when I need it, but quite out of the way for everything else.

blumbergh · Jan 6, 2016

The nova is a 65 so it is a bit short. Just over 13 feet. It's no 68. I believe the garage is just over 18 ft as I can fit my crew cab Silverado in it if I really need to. If I could find a 12-14' trailer and add about 3' for the neck I think I could just make it.

davesl708 · Jan 6, 2016

Hi. Welcome.

As diamondpilot mentioned. My garage is standard two car and is 20ft 3" deep. Leaving two feet to walk around and clear the door that leaves a trailer with 18ft max length. A folding tongue trail will help but most trailer have four to five feet of tongue length. This leaves about 14ft of trailer length to work with.

You did not mention if the Nova gets driven. Driving it on and off the trailer will give a new set of challenges. you would have to back the trailer in and block it up all the way around and chock the tires to keep it in place while loading and unloading.

Storing the trailer outside is a possibility. I store a utility trailer outside year round. I park it on wood planks to keep the tires off the ground and cover it with a tarp to keep the sun and other stuff off it. After six years it still looks new and no problems with the tires.

blumbergh · Jan 6, 2016

Well it looks like overall length will be tight but sacrifices must be made for the sake of my toys.

George2615 · Jan 6, 2016

Welcome to TBN....................

Storing the Nova on the trailer is ok if you have a deep enough garage to account for the extra length of the tongue (as mentioned). Also, important, is the garage door opening high enough to back the trailer in the garage with the Nova on top of it.

blumbergh · Jan 6, 2016

The height should not be a problem. I think they are 10 ft in the garage.

fidowanttobe · Jan 6, 2016

If you have outdoor off street parking, buy an enclosed car trailer to store the Nova, then the SUV can be in your garage too.

davesl708 · Jan 6, 2016

blumbergh said:
Well it looks like overall length will be tight but sacrifices must be made for the sake of my toys.

I would think if your main load will be the ATV a 5ft x 8ft trailer (2000lb gross) would work. The one I have has a break neck tongue. with the ramp folded in it is only 18 inches high and weight about 300lbs. I have see them suspended from the ceiling with pulleys. Four pulleys on a hand wench pulls it up above head height.

Possibilities are endless.